IOC announces five additional Athlete Role Models for Dakar 2026
The latest additions bring the total number of Athlete Role Models to 36, following an initial group of 31 Athlete Role Models announced in mid-April 2026.The group features Olympic champions and medallists from across disciplines, selected in collaboration with International Federations and representing all 25 competition sports and 10 engagement sports on the Dakar 2026 programme.The newly named Athlete Role Models are:Lisa Barbelin (FRA, archery)Yasser Hefny (EGY, modern pentathlon)Yannick Languina (SEN, tennis)Omar Abdul Aziz Al Marzooqi (UAE, equestrian)Hiroto Ono (JPN, breaking)The full biographies of each Athlete Role Model can be found on the Athlete365 website.On what this selection means to her, French archer Lisa Barbelin said:“It means I can share my experience with young people and maybe help them – I hope to be someone they can trust, almost like a friend.”Japanese breaker Hiroto Ono spoke of what he hopes to achieve in this role:“I’d like to share my experiences, including what I felt after competing at the Olympics. I want to talk about my journey and what I’ve learned along the way. I also want to communicate the fun and uniqueness of breaking – whether that’s through words or by actually showing it in the moment. If I can help energise the atmosphere and lift the athletes’ spirits, I’d love to do that as well.”The expanded group will play a central role in supporting and mentoring young athletes during the Games.During Dakar 2026, the Athlete Role Models will be present across the host zones in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, where they will engage directly with athletes, attend training sessions and participate in educational workshops. These sessions will focus on topics including career development, injury prevention and mental preparation.In addition to their involvement in formal workshops, the Athlete Role Models will also provide on-the-ground encouragement at competition venues and victory ceremonies, while engaging with local communities throughout the Games.Since its introduction at the inaugural Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, the Athlete Role Model programme has been a key feature of the YOG, designed to connect emerging athletes with experienced sporting figures in a more personal and educational environment.This announcement underscores the IOC’s commitment to delivering a meaningful athlete experience at the Youth Olympic Games, while supporting the legacy of Dakar 2026 in Senegal and across Africa.The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, bringing together around 2,700 young athletes aged up to 17.
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